With Kobe playing a sidekick to Shaq in the Lakers repeat year and Tony Kukocs playing a sidekick to Michael Jordan in the Bulls 3peat, will a Finals loss this year, something Kukoc never had, damage Kobes drive to keep with with Kukocs?
In years without a superstar to lead them, both had admirable reg seasons leading their teams. After Jordan left, Kukocs led the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists in 1998-99.
Kobe was no less impressive after Shaq left in leading the Lakers to three straight seasons at or near .500